Medallion Signature Guarantee for Australians: 2025 Guide

For Australians holding shares or other securities in the United States or Canada, the term Medallion Signature Guarantee can spark confusion—and frustration. As global investment grows more accessible, more Australians are coming up against this unfamiliar requirement when they try to transfer or sell North American assets. With regulatory shifts and new solutions emerging in 2025, it’s time to demystify the process and help Australians navigate this critical step in international investing.

What Is a Medallion Signature Guarantee?

A Medallion Signature Guarantee is a specialised stamp, used primarily in the US and Canada, that verifies the authenticity of a signature on securities-related documents. Unlike a standard notary or JP stamp, a Medallion Guarantee is backed by financial institutions participating in the Securities Transfer Agents Medallion Program (STAMP), offering protection against fraud for stock transfers, mutual fund redemptions, and other securities transactions.

• Purpose: To ensure the person signing a transfer form truly owns the securities and has the authority to transfer them.
• Who requires it? US and Canadian transfer agents, brokers, and financial institutions.
• Where is it accepted? Only in North America; most Australian banks and notaries are not part of the Medallion program.

Why Is It So Difficult for Australians?

For years, Australians with shares listed in the US or Canada have struggled to obtain a Medallion Signature Guarantee. The problem? No Australian bank, credit union, or law firm is authorised to provide this service. The handful of international banks with Australian branches—such as Citibank or HSBC—do not offer the guarantee locally. This leaves investors in a bind when they need to transfer inherited shares, sell assets, or update account details.

Common scenarios requiring a Medallion Guarantee include:

• Transferring shares after a relative’s death (estate administration)
• Selling shares held with US or Canadian transfer agents
• Changing the name on a security due to marriage or divorce

Attempts to use Australian notaries, JPs, or consular officials typically fail, as North American institutions reject these as insufficient under their regulations.

2025 Updates: New Pathways for Australians

Recognising the growing number of international investors, several US and Canadian transfer agents have streamlined remote Medallion Guarantee options in 2025. Here’s what’s changed this year:

• Remote Certification Services: A select group of US-based agents now accept video-based identity verification, combined with digital document submission. These services, such as Medallion Guarantee Services (MGS) and eSignature Medallion, can process requests from Australia for a fee, typically ranging from USD $150–$350 per guarantee.
• Consular/Notarial Workarounds: Some transfer agents have updated their policies to accept an Australian notary or US consular officer stamp in lieu of a Medallion Guarantee for small transactions (usually under USD $10,000). Always check the specific institution’s requirements before proceeding.
• Brokerage Transfers: If you hold US or Canadian shares in a brokerage account (rather than directly with a transfer agent), transferring assets to another broker (including some Australian brokers with US market access) often avoids the need for a Medallion Guarantee altogether. This is especially relevant with the 2025 expansion of cross-border brokerage partnerships.

It’s worth noting that while these alternatives are opening doors, the Medallion Guarantee remains a non-negotiable for many high-value or estate-related transactions.

Step-by-Step: How Australians Can Secure a Medallion Signature Guarantee

For those who must obtain the guarantee, here’s a practical roadmap in 2025:

1. Contact the Transfer Agent
   Confirm whether your transaction absolutely requires a Medallion Guarantee, or if an alternative (like an Australian notary) is now accepted for your case.
2. Engage a US-Based Service
   Research reputable remote Medallion Guarantee providers. Prepare to supply:
• Certified identification (passport, driver’s licence)
• Original transfer documents
• Proof of ownership (original share certificates, estate documents)
• Video interview or digital verification as required
3. Review Costs and Timelines
   Fees are typically non-refundable and range from USD $150 to $350. Processing may take up to 2–3 weeks, including international shipping if physical documents are required.
4. Follow Up Rigorously
   Once stamped, ensure your documents are sent directly to the transfer agent. Retain all proof of submission and tracking details.

Real-world example: In early 2025, an Australian executor required a Medallion Signature Guarantee to transfer inherited Disney shares. Using a remote US service, the entire process—from identity verification to document stamping and return—took 18 days and cost approximately AUD $475, including courier fees and currency conversion.

The Bottom Line for Australians in 2025

While the Medallion Signature Guarantee remains an administrative hurdle for Australians, new remote solutions and evolving acceptance policies are making it less daunting. Whether you’re managing an estate, selling legacy shares, or transferring assets, understanding your options and planning ahead is essential for a smooth process in 2025.